Best Phono Preamps Under $1,000

A phono preamp under $1,000 takes the tiny signal from your cartridge and amplifies it to line level with the correct RIAA equalization. The built-in phono stage on most integrated amps and receivers? It's an afterthought. A dedicated unit at this price gives your cartridge proper gain, accurate equalization, and a noise floor low enough that you hear music in the quiet passages instead of hiss. Most models here handle both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so your next cartridge upgrade is already covered.